Sixers Advance to Face Celtics Without Embiid

Tyrese Maxey's late-game heroics lead Sixers to Play-In victory over Magic

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game, with the players' forms abstracted into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette.Tyrese Maxey's late-game heroics propel the Sixers past the Magic and into a first-round playoff matchup with the Celtics.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-97 in the NBA Play-In Tournament to secure the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed and a first-round playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, including a crucial late-game stretch, to lead the Sixers to victory without injured star Joel Embiid.

Why it matters

The Sixers' win extends their playoff streak to three consecutive seasons, despite the absence of Embiid, their two-time scoring champion. Maxey's breakout performance also showcases the team's depth as they prepare to face the top-seeded Celtics in the opening round.

The details

Maxey scored 31 points, including a key 7-0 run late in the fourth quarter to push the Sixers' lead to 8 points. V.J. Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Andre Drummond had 14 points and 10 boards off the bench. The Sixers controlled the glass early, outscoring the Magic 10-2 on second-chance points in the first quarter. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 34 points, but the Sixers' defense limited Orlando's other top scorers Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

  • The Sixers will open their first-round series against the Celtics on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. in Boston.
  • Game 2 will be on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Boston.
  • The series will return to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday, April 24 and Game 4 on Sunday, April 26, both at 7 p.m.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

The first-time Eastern Conference All-Star starter scored 31 points to lead the Sixers to victory, including a crucial 7-0 run late in the fourth quarter.

V.J. Edgecombe

The rookie forward produced 19 points and 11 rebounds, including a highlight-reel dunk over Jalen Suggs that led to a technical foul.

Andre Drummond

The veteran center filled in admirably for the injured Joel Embiid, recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

Desmond Bane

The Magic's leading scorer on the night with 34 points, Bane was a difficult individual matchup for the Sixers all game.

Joel Embiid

The Sixers' two-time scoring champion rejoined the team on the bench after undergoing an emergency appendectomy last week, though his return timetable remains unclear.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.